Tooth Anatomy
*This makes up the bulk of the tooth
*Formed by odontoblasts located in the lining of the pulp chamber
*Exposure means bacteria will eventually infiltrate the pulp due to being porous
What is dentin?
A. Uses quadrants with three-digit numbers
B. First number indicates the quadrant in which the tooth is found
C. Permanent teeth begin with the numbers 1 (right maxilla), 2 (left maxilla), 3 (left mandible), and 4 (right mandible)
What is the Triadan system?
1. Have a U-shaped cross section with one or two cutting edges and a round toe
2. Used for subgingival calculus removal and root- planing
What are curettes?
1. Measure the gingival sulcus all the way around each tooth with a periodontal probe
2. May be measured after cleaning if heavy deposits of calculus are interfering
What is periodontal probing?
A. Hypervitaminosis D theory because many cat foods contain excess vitamin D
B. Periodontal disease is the most consistent factor associated with lesions
C. If one is found, likely other teeth are affected as well, possibly in microscopic stages
D. Usually starts at CEJ and furcation area of multirooted teeth
E. Not the result of bacterial digestion of teeth, such as in human caries
What are tooth resorptive lesions?
1. Soft tissue providing epithelial attachment
2. First line of defense
What is the gingiva?
Second most common tumor in dogs; most common in cats
Grows fast, often ulcerated, spreads slowly, invades bone
Tumors in more rostral locations have better prognosis (surgical resection, slower to metastasize)
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
1. Has a sharp tip only. Use a light touch to avoid gingival trauma
2. Used to detect subgingival calculus and to detect enamel defects such as resorptive lesions
3. Assesses tooth mobility
4. Detects caries and fractured teeth
5. Finer tips allow greater tactile sensitivity
What is a Shepherd’s hook or explorer
1. This has not been confirmed to be of benefit on veterinary dental patients
2. Serves as an antibacterial agent
3. Desensitizes the teeth and strengthens the enamel
4. Found in some brands of prophy paste
5. Water deactivates it
What is fluoride?
*Previously called lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis
*Possible causes include bacteria, viruses (calicivirus, coronavirus), and abnormal immune reactions. No direct link has been proven but complete intolerance and hypersensitive reaction to dental plaque is an accepted theory
*Many cats have underlying disease that interferes with cat’s local immunity
What is Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis?
a. Space between the free gingiva and the tooth
b. Normal depth in dogs is 1 to 3 mm (can be deeper in larger dogs) and in cats is 0.5 to 1 mm
What is the gingival sulcus
1. Thickening and excess growth of gingiva as a result of chronic inflammation and patient’s response to plaque
2. Engulfs crowns; Creates pseudopocket that traps food, hair, debris, and bacteria
What is Gingival hyperplasia?
(Most commonly seen in boxers, border collies, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds)
1. Come in all sizes and shapes
2. Available with or without spring-loaded handles
3. Have straight or angled tips
4. Used for tooth removal once tooth has been loosened and the removal of heavy calculus
What are extraction forceps?
This process removes gross calculus and cementum from the root with a curette. The technique involves overlapping strokes horizontally, vertically, and obliquely on the root
What is root planing?
Inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum
What is periodontitis?
1. Holds the tooth in the alveolus (socket) by attaching the tooth to the alveolar bone
2. Composed of collagen with some elastic fibers, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics
3. Main components are the principal fibers, which are embedded in cementum and alveolar bone
What is the periodontal ligament?
*Established in 1997 to recognize and establish preset standards of plaque and tartar prevention in cats and dogs
*Daily use of diets or treats carrying this seal will reduce the severity of periodontal disease
1. Has no sharp sides
2. Used to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus, gingival recession or hyperplasia, diameter of oral masses and any other oral structures
3. Measured in millimeters with a light touch
What is the periodontal probe?
These (and more) are examples of:
1. Assess skull type. Three basic types: brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and dolichocephalic
2. Look for symmetry of the head and face; palpate the lymph nodes and salivary glands
3. Look for nasal or ocular discharges or swellings
4. Open mouth to assess temporomandibular joint for crepitus or pain
5. During anesthesia, examine lips, mouth, tongue, palates, oropharyngeal area, tonsils, and floor of the mouth
What is a COHAT?
(Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment)
1. If treated properly, it is entirely reversible
2. If not treated, it can advance to periodontal disease
3. Nonmotile, aerobic, gram-positive rods and cocci predominate
What is gingivitis?
(inflammation of the gingiva caused by plaque)
1. Rich with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics
2. Composed of odontoblasts, fibroblasts, and other cells
3. Enters the tooth through many tiny canals in the root apex and is known as the apical delta
What is the pulp?
Attrition (tooth-to-tooth contact) or abrasion (excessive wear from chewing objects)
What are worn teeth?
1. Used to elevate and reflect gingival, mucogingival, and palatal flaps
2. Must be sharp so that they will cut rather than tear
What are periosteal elevators?
During this process
1. It removes gross calculus with calculus removal forceps or dental extractors (avoid damaging the gingival tissue, enamel, and cementum)
2. Ensure chlorhexidine rinse is applied before it begins
Supragingival scaling
Caused by an abscess of the maxillary canine; can show clinical signs of nasal discharge and/or swelling over the root
What is an oronasal fistula?
(A canal develops joining the oral and nasal cavity)